Photo Credit: OFC Media

Fiji has claimed its first win at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship with a dominant 2-0 victory against the Cook Islands in Suva.

Needing a win to keep the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship semi-finals in their sights, Fiji started the stronger of the two sides, much like they did in their 3-3 draw against Tonga on Sunday.

Coach Marika Rodu was fortunate to call on reinforcements for this match, with eligible members from the historic Young Kulas’ FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup campaign joining the squad.

15-year-old rising star Aliana Vakaloloma was placed in goal, while forwards Elesi Tabunase and Asenaca Naio added firepower to the Fijians’ starting eleven.

The opening goal came in the 14th minute from Sisilia Tuvou Kuladina, who had also scored in their opening match of the tournament. After a lovely layoff outside the box, she struck the ball first-time into the bottom left corner, leaving Cook Islands keeper Vahine Uini with no chance.

Kuladina was also at the heart of Fiji’s next opportunity, sliding a pass through to Tabunase, who blasted the ball into the net—only for the goal to be flagged offside.

Fiji’s pressure paid off again shortly after, as Grace Lakavutu broke the offside trap and calmly slotted past Uini to double their lead.

Despite being 2-0 down at half-time, the Cook Islands showed a more robust performance compared to their opening match.

In the second-half, the Cook Islands were determined to get something from the game, forcing Vakaloloma to make a few more saves than in the first half.

Fiji remained relentless in attack and nearly scored a third, but Uini made a brave save to keep the score at 2-0.

Despite Fiji’s repeated attempts to extend their lead, the Cook Islands’ defense, led by captain Metuamaru Arere, stood firm, frustrating the Fijians until the final whistle.

Fiji take an important three points, leaving them in second place in Group A. However, Rodu will want to see some big improvement ahead of their final group match against Samoa. As for the Cook Islands, they’ll aim to finish the tournament on a high note when they face Tonga on Saturday.

Fiji: 2 (Sisilia Tuvou KULADINA 14’, Grace LAKAVUTU 19’)
Cook Islands: 0

HT: 2-0